1 John 2:28

King James Version (KJV)

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

And now, little children - Τεκνια, Beloved children, abide in him - in Christ Jesus. Let his word and spirit continually abide in you, and have communion with the Father and the Son.

That when he shall appear - To judge the world, we may have confidence, παρῥησιαν, freedom of speech, liberty of access, boldness, from a conviction that our cause is good, and that we have had proper ground for exultation; and not be ashamed - confounded, when it appears that those who were brought to Christ Jesus, have apostatized, and are no longer found in the congregation of the saints, and consequently are not our crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus. Abide in him, that this may not be the case.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

And now, little children - See the notes at 1 John 2:1.

Abide in him; that, when he shall appear - In the end of the world, to receive his people to himself. See the notes at John 14:2-3.

We may have confidence - Greek, boldness - παῤῥησίαν . This word is commonly used to denote openness, plainness, or boldness in speaking, Mark 8:32; John 7:4, John 7:13, John 7:26; Acts 2:29; Acts 4:13, Acts 4:29; 2 Corinthians 3:12; 2 Corinthians 7:4. Here it means the kind of boldness, or calm assurance, which arises from evidence of piety, and of preparation for heaven. It means that they would not be overwhelmed and confounded at the coming of the Saviour, by its being then found that all their hopes were fallacious.

And not be ashamed before him at his coming - By having all our hopes taken away; by being held up to the universe as guilty and condemned. We feel ashamed when our hopes are disappointed; when it is shown that we have a character different from what we professed to have; when our pretensions to goodness are stripped off, and the heart is made bare. Many will thus be ashamed in the last day, Matthew 7:21-23; but it is one of the promises made to those who truly believe on the Saviour, that they shall never be ashamed or confounded. See the notes at 1 Peter 2:6. Compare Isaiah 45:17; Romans 5:5; 1 Peter 4:16; Mark 8:38.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

The truth of Christ, abiding in us, is a means to sever from sin, and unites us to the Son of God, Joh 15:3,4. What value should we put upon gospel truth! Thereby the promise of eternal life is made sure. The promise God makes, is suitable to his own greatness, power, and goodness; it is eternal life. The Spirit of truth will not lie; and he teaches all things in the present dispensation, all things necessary to our knowledge of God in Christ, and their glory in the gospel. The apostle repeats the kind words, "little children;" which denotes his affection. He would persuade by love. Gospel privileges oblige to gospel duties; and those anointed by the Lord Jesus abide with him. The new spiritual nature is from the Lord Christ. He that is constant to the practice of religion in trying times, shows that he is born from above, from the Lord Christ. Then, let us beware of holding the truth in unrighteousness, remembering that those only are born of God, who bear his holy image, and walk in his most righteous ways.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

28. And now. These words mark the conclusion of the first part of the epistle and do not have any particular reference to the time when John was writing. Reaching the climax of his reasoning, John solemnly exhorts his readers on the basis of what he has written in vs. 18-27.

Little children. Gr. teknia (see on v. 1).

Abide in him. That is, in Christ. This is direct counsel to take the action recommended in v. 27, in view of the anticipated return of Jesus (see on v. 18). Only those who abide in Christ will be prepared to meet Him at His coming (cf. Matt. 24:13; John 15:6).

When he shall appear. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading, “if he shall be manifested.” No uncertainty is implied, however (compare the clauses, “if I be lifted up” and “if I go and prepare a place for you” in John 12:32; 14:3). Rather, the words imply strong assurance. Elsewhere John stresses the reality of Christ’s return (see 1 John 3:2; cf. John 14:1-3; 21:22; Rev. 1:7; 22:12, 20), but recognizes the uncertainty of the time of Christ’s appearing (cf. on Matt. 24:36-44).

Confidence. Gr. parrÄ“sia, originally, “freedom of speech,” hence, “boldness” (see on Acts 4:13), used by John 13 of the 31 times it occurs in the NT. The picture is of one who, having consistently abided in Christ, has no fear of meeting Him at His coming. Those who spend this life with their Lord will welcome Him at His coming (cf. Isa. 25:9). Repentant sinners will greet Him, not with the boldness of self-confidence, but with the quiet assurance that they are children of God.

Ashamed. Again John emphasizes his meaning by of restating it negatively (cf. chs. 1:5, 6, 8; 2:4, 27; etc.). In so doing he sets forth the attitude of those who have not prepared to meet their Lord. They will be filled with shame as they face the prospect of meeting Him whom they have despised and rejected. They will be ashamed of their treatment of the Redeemer and of their own sinful record. They will realize that the blame for their loss of eternal life is all their own (cf. on Rev. 6:15-17). But those who abide in Christ may look forward with joy to His coming.

Coming. Gr. parousia (see on Matt. 24:3), used only here by John, but often in the writings of Paul (1 Cor. 15:23; Phil. 1:26; 1 Thess. 2:19; etc.), Matthew (Matt. 24:3, 27, 37, 39), James (James 5:7, 8), and Peter (2 Peter 1:16; 3:4, 12).

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Ellen G. White
In Heavenly Places, 250.1

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28. HP 250.1

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Ellen G. White
Reflecting Christ, 351.2

You must not sink down discouraged. The fainthearted will be made strong; the desponding will be made to hope. God has a tender care for His people. His ear is open unto their cry. I have no fears for God's cause. He will take care of His own cause. Our duty is to fill our lot and place, live...humble at the foot of the cross, and live faithful, holy lives before Him. While we do this we shall not be ashamed, but our souls will confide in God with holy boldness. RC 351.2

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Ellen G. White
That I May Know Him, 361.1

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 1 John 2:28. TMK 361.1

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Ellen G. White
This Day With God, 238.5

We are to be Christ's little children, learning of Him. We are fully to believe and practice the truth we profess—that the end of all things is now at hand. Every moment we must be prepared to witness the unfolding of wonderful events. Daily we should reconsecrate our lives to the Lord's service, and open the door of the heart to welcome the heavenly Guest and to receive of His love. TDG 238.5

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